The talks about trading Morgan Rielly just got more specific.
Frank Seravalli mentioned on The Big Show that Rielly is a player who can easily be traded, and he suggested San Jose as a suitable option because the Sharks only have two defensemen signed.
This kind of detailed rumor doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Seravalli is not just randomly picking names. He’s sharing what he’s heard from the trade market.
Rielly is 32 years old and has a salary cap hit of $7.5 million, with several years still remaining on his contract. He wrapped up the season with 36 points in 78 games and had a -18 rating, which isn’t something people in Toronto want to discuss.
The Leafs allowed 299 goals this season. The defense is clearly one area where General Manager John Chayka needs to make changes. Rielly’s name keeps coming up because it makes financial sense.
San Jose finished the season ranked 22nd with a record of 39 wins, 35 losses, and 8 overtime losses, earning 86 points. They did better than expected and are still in the process of rebuilding. They have the budget to make moves, the need for players, and a timeline that fits.
Why Macklin Celebrini’s rise changes the Sharks’ strategy
The Sharks already have a key young player in 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini. He finished his sophomore season with 115 points in 82 games, scoring 45 goals and assisting on 25 power-play goals.
That’s not someone you can afford to slowly develop anymore. That’s a player you want to pair with experienced players right away before he gets a more expensive contract.
General Manager Mike Grier is actively looking for veteran players to help support that young group. A right-handed offensive defenseman who has playoff experience would be a great addition.
However, Rielly has a no-move clause, which complicates things. He would need to agree to waive it specifically for a trade to San Jose. That discussion involves Rielly’s camp rather than just the team management.
The Leafs getting the first pick in the draft completely changes their plans. Treliving now has a chance to change some of the older players’ salaries into future benefits in ways that were not possible just 10 days ago.
To be honest, the Rielly contract has seemed impossible to trade for the past two years. The discussions around it have become more positive over time. Now, several reports suggest it is now “very tradable” in just one off-season.
Will Smith and William Eklund are also stepping into important roles in San Jose. When you already have three talented first-round players doing well, opportunities can come quickly.
The agreement isn’t finished yet. Talks are usually not this advanced so soon. However, there is enough buzz that fans from both teams should be paying attention.
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